Known as the godfather of the first British folk revival, Ewan MacColl is hailed for writing such classic songs as "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "Dirty Old Town," "The Shoals of Herring" and "The Joy of Living." JOY OF LIVING: A TRIBUTE TO EWAN MACCOLL is an flawlessly formed centenary tribute to the multi-talented artist from MacColl’s two sons, Calum and Neill.

This 2-CD set features new interpretations of MacColl’s songs from artists who span the worlds of pop, rock, and folk. Rather than trying to be a definitive collection, it provides a testament to the range and influence of this remarkable singer and songwriter.

Highlights include Steve Earle’s take on “Dirty Old Town,” Norma Waterson’s peerless rendition of the plight of the travelers in “The Moving On Song,” Paul Buchanan’s (Blue Nile) crooning “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” Bombay Bicycle Club’s moving version of “The Young Birds” and Rufus & Martha Wainwright’s performance of “Sweet Thames Flow Softly.”